Garden Building planning permission examples — what gets approved & refused
69,231 real decisions from 314 UK councils. See what actually gets approved, what gets refused, and why — so you don’t waste thousands on drawings for something your council will reject.
Last updated: June 2026
83.5%
approval rate across 69,231 decisions
That means roughly 1 in 6 garden building applications are refused — often due to avoidable design issues.
69,231
Decisions
57,833
Approved
11,398
Refused
314
Councils
Garden rooms, offices, studios, and outbuildings have surged in popularity. Many fall within permitted development, but applications near boundaries or in conservation areas typically need planning permission.
What these results show
• Most garden buildings under 2.5m at the eaves (near a boundary) or 4m/3m high are permitted development.
• Refusals often relate to intended use — a garden “office” used as a separate dwelling is a different matter entirely.
• Height, proximity to boundaries, and proportion relative to the garden are the key factors.
• Conservation area restrictions remove many PD rights for garden buildings — always check.
⚠️ These are national examples. Your council could be stricter — or more lenient. See what actually gets approved on your street →
Real garden building decisions
Real examples showing what works — and what gets refused. Use the filters to compare approved and refused applications.
Approved
The building of a blockwork garden studio (which will then be clad in timber) with flat roof at rear of garden. No higher than 2.5m and measuring 6m x 3.5m in size.
Approved
Demolition of flat roof single storey timber and concrete structure with attached single storey flat roof brick outbuilding with large single span steel framed building clad with metal profiled side sheeting and fibre cement roof sheets
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
24/0127/HHOPDC
Approved
Loft conversion with rear dormer and 2 front skylights; 3m single-storey rear extension with a flat roof; and 2.5m single-storey outbuilding.
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Prior notification for single storey extension for a garden room, measuring 3.37m metres beyond the rear wall; 3.6m in height from ground level; 3.0m metres in height to eaves from ground
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
DC/25/1876/AME
Approved
Non-material Amendment of DC/24/0377/FUL - Construction of single storey open porch, demolition of the first floor of the existing two storey front extension, construction of a first floor side extension, construction of pitched roof to existing altered ground floor extension, demolition of the exis
▸ A roof that matches the existing house signals good design to planning officers.
Approved
Steel portal frame agricultural store/ workshop with metal profiled sheet cladding and roller shutter door with oak framed and traditional slate roofed open parking bay to front elevation for agricultural vehicles to match adjacent existing outbuilding.
▸ Matching existing materials and design helps approval chances.
Approved
T1: Cedar - 2m clearance from the summerhouse roof. T2: Yew - Crown reduction of 2m.
Approved
Tree A Oak - crown lift to 5mTree B Oak - current height and spread approximately 13m, reduce back by 3m over outbuilding and 2.5m on east facing canopy. No change to height.
Approved
Works to trees within Bacup Town Centre Conservation Area - Pussy Willow x2 - Cut back trees to provide a 2m clearance from building and outbuilding
▸ Sympathetic design in conservation areas can still get approved.
Approved
Demolition of existing garage, outbuildings and existing porch structure. Erection of new porch structure, one and two storey rear extension and single storey side extension. Aesthetic changes to all elevations and amendments to existing roof structure. (Revised scheme, already commenced)
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Tree A Oak - crown lift to 5mTree B Oak - current height and spread approximately 13m, reduce back by 3m over outbuilding and 2.5m on east facing canopy. No change to height.
Approved
Change of use from C3 dwelling to C4 6 bed, 6 person HMORear dormer loft conversion and front velux rooflights, conversion of existing attached rear outbuilding, to form part of the internal layout of the building
▸ Rear dormers are far more likely to be approved than front-facing ones.
Approved
Certificate of Lawfulness (Proposed) Alterations to Existing Dwelling to Form Open-Plan Kitchen / Dining / Garden Room and Utility Room, with New Roof Over
▸ Kitchen/living extensions are the most common approved type.
Approved
CERTIFICATE OF LAWFUL DEVELOPMENT FOR EXISTING SINGLE STOREY EXTENSION AND DETACHED OUTBUILDING AT REAR
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Approved
Yew Tree - current canopy 10m reduce by 1 to 1.5m, horizontally, to provide clearance from outbuilding within the curtilidge of a listed building.
▸ Listed building applications succeed when design is sensitive to the original character.
24/00177/FULL
Approved
Refurbishment works comprising: (i) raising of the second floor roof and replacement roof covering; (ii) the construction of a replacement garden room; (iii) installation of replacement windows and bi-fold glazing; (iv) installation of double glazing to windows in the lightwell; (v) the installation
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
Approved
T018, Oak: Tree has failed on to storage shed and pipe work - Dismantle & remove to ground level. T019, Ash: Fell. G001, comprised of six Sycamore, five Hazel and four Ash: Crown lift trees over the outbuilding roof and shed roof to achieve a minimum of 2 metre clearance.
Approved
T1 Silver Birch - to reduce in height by 3m which overhangs neighbouring property. Reason: dropping excessive amounts of debris onto garden and garden building damaging roofT2 Oak - to cut back by 3m from neighbouring garden and garden building. Reason: dropping excessive amounts of debris onto gard
Approved
Article 18 consultation from Rossendale Council (ref. 2017/0113) - Demolition of existing dwelling and outbuildings, and construction of new nine-bedroomed dwelling, with associated access and landscaping works
Approved
Listed Building Consent for the erection of outbuilding for the storage of gardening equipment and vehicles following demolition of existing outbuilding
▸ Listed building applications succeed when design is sensitive to the original character.
Still scrolling?
You’re looking at national data. 16% of garden building applications get refused — but that number could be higher or lower in your area.
See what gets approved near your home →
12/199/APN
Approved
Replace the roof and increase the wall height of 2 existing outbuildings
Approved
Reduction in height of 1 no. Yew from 9m to 4m. Reduction of sides of the crown to take clear of neighbouring outbuilding and to make a satisfactory shape of crown, outer branches are dying from lack of management so also require reduction.
240977/DPP
Approved
Conversion of existing garage outbuilding to form self-contained ancillary annex accommodation, including installation of new windows, rooflights and cladding
Approved
Prior notification of a single storey extension to existing outbuilding.
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
Refused
Erection of a 1.8m high wooden fence/gate and erection of an outbuilding to side elevation.
Approved
LISTED BUILDING CONSENT: Conversion of former horse gin and demolition and replacement of corrugated steel outbuilding to form single dwellinghouse (amended plans 07.09.2020, 30.09.2020, 08.12.2020) (amended description 18.12.2020)
▸ Listed building applications succeed when design is sensitive to the original character.
Approved
Section 192 Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for the proposed installation of a Garden Studio (5100mm x 9650mm & 1828.8mm flyover roof) together with decking beneath ramped access to be used for the purpose of education (Class D1 Non-Residential Institution)
20/00526/FUL
Approved
Change of use of shipping container from storage to summer house with full amenities ancillary to existing dwelling house
Approved
Prior Notification: Erection of hay barn to replace existing outbuildings (Amend
▸ Replacing an existing structure is generally viewed more favourably than building new.
Approved
Application to determine if prior approval is required for the proposed demolition of existing dwelling and outbuildings at 37 Farleigh Road
▸ Prior approval applications that meet the criteria are rarely refused.
Approved
Proposed demolition of existing agricultural outbuilding and erection of new two bedroom dwellinghouse with decking, with parking and associated services including change of use to private garden land from agricultural land and air source heat pump.
21/01465/NMA
Approved
Non material amendment sought to planning permission ref 21/00206/FUL for installation of bi-fold doors and change of use of outbuilding to storage and garden room
Approved
G1 - Bay (x3 trees forming one canopy) - Remove x 1 lowest branch extending over the garden building and reduce remaining trees in height from approximately 2.5m. Current estimated height 10m leaving at 8m.The trees have been heavily pollarded in the past and now have extensive regrowth which needs
Approved
Application for Listed Building Consent - Alteration to rear window to form french doors and associated steps. New doors and windows in 20th century extension. Alteration to soil and rain water drainage. Construction of garden shed.
▸ Listed building applications succeed when design is sensitive to the original character.
Approved
Certificate of Lawfulness of Proposed Development for the erection of a single storey outbuilding
▸ Single-storey extensions face less scrutiny than two-storey.
22/00696/FUL
Approved
Outbuilding within domestic curtilage to form detached annex residential accommodation
Refused
Retrospective application for an outbuilding and raised deck to rear of detached residential property.
Refused
NON MATERIAL AMENDMENT TO PLOT 15 ON APPLICATION 2019/0207/FUL (12 NO. NEW APARTMENTS AND 8 NO DETACHED DWELLINGS WITH ASSOCIATED ACCESS ROADS AND CAR PARKING PROVISION) - GARDEN ROOM TO REAR
Refused
Full Planning Application for One Self-Build 4-Bedroom Dwelling, Garage and Stables/outbuildings. (Amended description 26.01.2026, amended location plan 23.02.2026)
10/01180/FUL
Refused
Retention of single storey outbuilding to rear of back garden and change of use to nail salon/health and beauty use.
Refused
Certificate of lawfulness (proposed) for erection of a single storey garden office.
24/00658/FUL
Approved
Use of outbuilding to rear of dwellinghouse as short term let (Sui generis) (Retrospective)
P2024/3319/FUL
Approved
The construction of a garden outbuilding/office to be located in the rear of the
Approved
Change of use from agricultural land to domestic garden and retention of garden shed
Approved
Refurbishment of outbuildings for additional teaching accommodation and parking
Approved
Former Somerton House Hotel and outbuildings to be fully demolished
Approved
Conversion of outbuilding from agricultural use to a flexible use within Commercial/Business/Service (Class E)
Refused
Installation of Replacement Windows and Erection of Garden Shed (Retrospective)
Refused
Certificate of lawfulness for proposed internal changes of the outbuilding from home office/garden room to home office/garden room/holiday let.
Refused
Erection Of Summer House With Storage Area In Roof Space (Retrospective)
Refused
Change of use and extension to outbuilding to dwellinghouse with associated parking and garden ground
Refused
Lawful development certificate for outbuilding in rear garden
Refused
Conversion of redundant outbuilding to provide annex accommodation.
Refused
Proposed extensions to dwelling and garage and proposed garden shed - approved under H13-1311-21. Amendments to dimensions of single storey extension & garage extension
Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for the following proposal:
Proposed construction of summerhouse to be used in connection with the dwelling house and also to provide one to one beauty treatments
Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for the following proposal:
Proposed construction of summerhouse to be used in connection with the dwelling house and also to provide one to one beauty treatments
Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for the following proposal:
Proposed construction of summerhouse to be used in connection with the dwelling house and also to provide one to one beauty treatments
Refused
Householder Planning Application - New outbuilding formed to rear of the property. Finished in a weatherboard cladding finish.
Approved
Proposed raised decking and summer house on top (part retrospective)
Refused
Erection of garden room and raised platform (retrospective)
Related guides
Garden room planning permission guideBefore you spend £2,000+ on drawings — and risk getting refused
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